Juan Mata and David Luiz are 'very important to me', says Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has felt no need to reassure Juan Mata and David Luiz that they are part of his long-term plans after the pair were mentioned as possible make-weights in the bid to take Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea rejected the suggestion Mata or Luiz could be used in the bargaining for Rooney and pointed accusingly at United for suggesting the part exchange, which may have unsettled the duo.

Mourinho insisted it was a cash-only offer and that the futures of Spain playmaker Mata and Brazil defender Luiz are in the blue of Chelsea.

The duo are absent from the tour of Asia to take a break following the Confederations Cup before joining up with Mourinho's Chelsea for the first time at the end of this month, ahead of the tour to the United States.

"I am not going to contact them based on news that is not true and that they know that it is not true, because I told them they are very important for me," Mourinho said.

"How can I change that two days later because of a news (report)? So, no contact with them.

"I spoke with them during the summer, in my period of holiday and their period in the Confederations Cup.

"When they finished the Confederations Cup I just wished them luck and told them that I will see them on the 28th (July 28)."

Mourinho insists he is a man of principle and loyalty is key among them.

"Loyalty, for me, is fundamental, not just in football but also in life," he added.

"What I try to create in the team is that kind of principle in between them.

"They must have the capacity to be critical with each other and when you are critical with a colleague you must have a big sense of loyalty so you can accept the criticisms from the other guy."

Mourinho believes that must be player-led as match situations do not allow for him to intervene too often; the water-break during Wednesday night's win over Singha All-Stars in Bangkok offered a rare opportunity.

Michael Essien has been a loyal servant for Mourinho, who signed the Ghana midfielder on loan for Real Madrid last term.

Mourinho believes Essien, who signed for Chelsea from Lyon during the Portuguese's first spell as boss and has now recovered from a series of knee injuries, has a key role to play in the forthcoming campaign.

"He is a great man and he is a very good player and I see him with special motivation," Mourinho said.

"He's a fantastic player and we need this kind of player in this profile of squad, a squad of many, many, many talented kids.

"We need this type of player to give us that balance.

"He knows exactly his task and exactly what he has to do and big, big, big experience so he will be useful for us."